District Court, E.D. New York December 11, 2002, MDL 1208(ADS)(MLO). Nos. 97 CV 189(ADS)(MLO), 97 CV 610(ADS) (MLO), 97 CV 1689(ADS)(MLO), 97 CV 3253(ADS)(MLO) and 97 CV 3775(ADS)(MLO) (In Re Sterling Foster & Co., Inc., Securities Lit.)

SPATT, District Judge.

This class action involves allegations by the plaintiffs that the defendants made misstatements and omissions and were engaged in market manipulation with respect to six public offerings. Presently before the Court are motions for final approval of

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a partial settlement, plan allocation and the award of attorneys’ fees and expenses.

I.